Warner Shook, artistic director of Seattle's Intiman Theatre, is directing Terrence McNally's Tony-winning 1995 play, Love! Valour! Compassion! for California's Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Previews began Nov. 1 with an opening set for tonight, Nov. 6.

L!V!C! follows eight gay men hashing out their passions, resentments and fears over the course of three summer weekends. The show's press release contains this proviso: "This play contains nudity and adult themes, as well as frequent references to American musical theatre and modern dance choreography."

Terrence McNally's other plays include the 1996 Tony winner, Master Class, A Perfect Ganesh, The Ritz, Up In Saratoga, Hope and Sweet Eros. Warner Shook's previous directing assignments include the 1996 Intiman season opener, Molly Sweeney, and the world premiere production of Robert Schenkkan's Pulitzer-winning Kentucky Cycle.

Love's laborers are Laurence Ballard (as the twins), Patrick Kerr (as Buzz), James Carpenter, Kevin Donovan, Jeffrey Hayenga, Bruno Irizarry and Mark Schwotzer. Michael Olich designed the set, David Zinn the costumes, Mary Louise Geiger the lighting. Jim Ragland serves as sound designer and composer for the play's incidental music.

The show is a West Coast premiere produced in conjunction with Seattle's Intiman Theatre. Warner Shook, artistic director of the Intiman, will direct the production recently mounted at the Intiman. Playwright Terrence McNally also won the 1996 "Best Play" Tony Award for Master Class, currently playing on Broadway with Patti LuPone.

Love! Valour! Compassion! runs at Berkeley Rep on Addison St. to Jan. 3, 1997. For tickets ($30-$39) and information, call (510) 845-4700. For more information about tickets and show times to Berkeley Rep's production of Love! Valor! Compassion!, please refer to Berkeley Repertory Theatre's regional listing.

-- By David Lefkowitz and Blair Glaser